Trust in politicians reaches all-time low

Parliament, photo Peter Symonds (Click to enlarge)

Stephanie Hammond, Camden Socialist Party

It could hardly be more timely that when the British establishment has decided to rail on about 'post-truth' politics, it is the politicians themselves who have reached an all-time low in the eyes of public trust.

According to this year's 'veracity' survey from polling agency Ipsos Mori, faith in British politicians to tell the truth is lower than ever before. Polling beneath business leaders, estate agents and journalists, just 15% of those surveyed had any faith in politicians to tell the truth. "Voters' levels of trust" are "approaching rock bottom," Ipsos Mori said.

This is in stark contrast to those the Conservative government has attempted to demonise. The public overwhelmingly trusts nurses, doctors and teachers, despite the smear campaigns against them following industrial action.

They also expose the right wing of Labour for its careerism, drifting increasingly towards the racist and draconian policies of the Tories. And both the establishment Remain and Leave EU campaigns were equally castigated - neither were trusted to be speaking with honesty.

The truth is that all sections of the capitalist establishment are in crisis. This presents an opening for a socialist alternative, one that could be led by Jeremy Corbyn. But he must end the concessions to the Blairites, or risk squandering a vital opportunity to lead a serious working class struggle.

The Socialist Party stands for workers' representatives on workers' wages, more frequent elections, and the right to recall representatives at any time. Ultimately, the only way the public can place its trust in politics is by creating a democratic, socialist society - based on providing for all, not enriching the bosses and their politicians.